General News of Friday, 4 September 2026

Source: www.ghanaweb.com

Afua Kobi Ampem Girls SHS students test multipurpose drone for firefighting, security

The test demonstrated the aircraft’s potential to support firefighting operations The test demonstrated the aircraft’s potential to support firefighting operations

Female students of Afua Kobi Ampem Girls Senior High School (also referred to as Afia Kobi Ampem) in the Atwima Kwanwoma District have successfully tested a newly developed multipurpose drone designed and built by the school’s STEM/Engineering Club.

The test demonstrated the aircraft’s potential to support firefighting operations and other critical applications.

The fixed-wing drone was constructed from scratch by the students under the guidance of the club’s lead engineer and tutor, Ferdinand Sam, as part of their aerospace practical training.

Afua Kobi Apem Girls' SHS STEM students build surveillance drone for Ghana Air Force

It measures 4 metres in wingspan, 3.5 metres in length and 1.4 metres in height, with a total weight of 19.5 kilograms.

According to Sam, the drone is designed for intelligence gathering, surveillance, delivery services, firefighting, marine patrol, border surveillance and related security operations.

“Leading the students, we built the drone from scratch, and the idea is to develop solutions to our everyday problems in the country,” he stated.

Sam noted that the exercise provided valuable practical lessons and technical insights.

The maiden test flight took place on the Suhum By-pass Road. The club is now working on upgrades to enhance the drone’s operational effectiveness.

Video footage of the test, shared by SIKA OFFICIAL on X on September 4, 2026, shows the aircraft taking off from a roadway, climbing into the sky and performing sustained flight over the surrounding terrain, with students and support personnel observing.

Afia Kobi Ampem Girls SHS develops unmanned aerial combat space plane for Ghana Air Force

This project continues Afua Kobi Ampem Girls Senior High School’s established record of student-led aerospace innovation.

The school has previously developed unmanned systems and radio-controlled aircraft for Ghana’s security agencies, including the Ghana Air Force and Fire Service.

Watch video below.



VKB/BAI

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